Dispenser with a power management system

A method comprising:

• detecting infrared radiation of one or more individuals within a prescribed detection range, area, or zone of a dispenser;
• wherein the at least one dispenser is configured to dispense a selected amount of a fluid or sheet material;
• connecting at least one activation sensor to a power supply to place the at least one activation sensor in a powered-on state;
• if the at least one activation sensor detects an individual moving within a selected activation zone of at least one dispenser of a dispensing system:
• connecting a controller of the dispenser to the power supply to place the controller in a powered-on state;
• connecting a dispensing mechanism of the dispenser to the power supply to place the dispensing mechanism in a powered-on state and
• initiating a dispensing operation;
• wherein the dispensing operation comprises:
• activating a dispensing mechanism;
• drawing a fluid or a sheet material from a supply;
• and
• discharging the fluid or sheet material.

A dispenser, comprising:

• at least one supply of a material to be dispensed;
• a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a selected amount of the material;
• and
• a control system comprising:
• a controller in communication with the dispensing mechanism and configured to initiate a dispensing operation and control operation of the dispensing mechanism to dispense the selected amount of material;
• at least one activation sensor in communication with the controller and configured to send an activation signal to the controller to initiate the dispensing operation;
• a power management system in communication with the power supply and including at least one passive infrared sensor;
• wherein the at least one passive infrared sensor is configured to detect infrared radiation of one or more individuals and in response, connect the at least the at least one activation sensor to power while the controller and dispensing mechanism remain disconnected from power;
• and
• a transmitter configured to transmit dispenser use information.